How Linked Learning Works

Rigorous Academics

Rigorous academics that prepare students for success in California’s community colleges and universities, as well as in apprenticeships and other postsecondary programs.

Career-based Learning

Career-based learning in the classroom that delivers concrete knowledge and skills through a cluster of three or more courses, emphasizing the practical application of academic learning and preparing students for high-skill, high-wage employment.

Work-based Learning

Personalized Support

Personalized support services that include counseling and supplemental instruction in reading, writing, and math to help students master the rigorous academic and professional skills necessary for success in college and career.

Linked Learning Alliance

The Linked Learning Alliance is a statewide coalition of education, industry, and community organizations dedicated to improving California’s high schools and preparing students for success in college, career, and life. Established in May 2008 by the Irvine Foundation, it aims to build a collective voice and coordinate efforts to expand access to Linked Learning in California. Numerous materials to help foster the implementation and expansion of the Linked Learning approach are available on their website.

$10,000

more was earned in four years

Reports

Year-Five Evaluation of the California Linked Learning District Initiative

December 2014
|
SRI International

Rigorous, independent evaluation of the Linked Learning District Initiative conducted by SRI international shows that, compared with their peers, students in certified pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills, say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction, and are more likely to stay in their school district through high school.

Evaluation of the California Linked Learning District Initiative

February 2014
|
SRI International

The evidence for Linked Learning as a systemic approach to education reform is growing. An independent evaluation shows that students participating in Linked Learning are earning more credits, are more likely to be on track with the a–g credits required for graduation, and are reporting greater confidence in their life and career skills than similar peers in traditional high school.

A Model for Success: CART’s Linked Learning Program

January 2011
|
Center for Advanced Research and Technology

When rigorous academics are combined with demanding technical learning and real-world experience, students are better prepared to succeed. This 7-year study found that participation in the Linked Learning program at the Center for Advanced Research and Technology led to a higher percentage of college enrollments.

Broadening the Benefits of Dual Enrollment

July 2012
|
Columbia University

A three-year study tracking outcomes for thousands of students across California shows that career focused dual enrollment programs can provide important benefits for those who are underachieving and underrepresented in higher education.

Career Opportunities: Career Technical Education and the College Completion Agenda

January 2012
|
California State University Sacramento

Community colleges must tailor their offerings to address labor market needs and must design programs to be accessible and valuable to students with different levels of preparation and at different stages of their careers.

What Matters, What Works: Advancing Achievement After School

February 2008
|
Public/Private Ventures

In 1999, the Foundation launched the largest program initiative in our history: Communities Organizing Resources to Advance Learning (CORAL), an eight-year, $58 million effort to improve the educational performance of low-achieving students in five California cities.

ConnectEd Network of Schools

September 2009
|
MPR Associates

An evaluation of the ConnectEd Network of Schools to examine how a multiple pathways approach improves student outcomes. Evaluation findings shaped ConnectEd’s ongoing technical assistance to the Network of Schools and the larger-scale California Multiple Pathways District Initiative.